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Aston Villa's summer transfer window is starting to click into gear, with the deal to sell Douglas Luiz to Juventus – crucial to adhere to PSR rules – moving along and sights now being turned toward bringing in fresh faces.

While the Midlands club aren't out of the woods yet in relation to PSR, the cogs are indeed starting to shift, with Unai Emery set to welcome Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen to the fold.

It's been reported that a deal worth in excess of £35m has been put in place and a six-year contract presented, addressing a key area of concern.

Ross Barkley is also headed for Villa Park but more, excitingly, is still to come.

Aston Villa transfer news

According to French journalist Sebastien Denis, Aston Villa are "extremely interested" in signing OGC Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo, albeit competing with outfits like Bayern Munich and Juventus for his signature.

The Frenchman had been closing on a transfer to Manchester United but shared ownership between the Premier League club and Les Aiglons precludes completion under UEFA rules, opening the door for Villa.

Valued at £40m by other reports, Todibo would be a relatively affordable signing with qualities that make him tailor-made for success at the upper end of the Premier League – and indeed in the Champions League.

Why Villa are interested in Jean-Clair Todibo

Todibo fell by the wayside at Barcelona, signed on a free transfer aged 19 in 2019, but he has been rejuvenated since returning to his homeland, with once teammate Aaron Ramsey claiming in 20234 that he "can go all the way to the top."

The 24-year-old is technically sound, athletic and imposing (standing at 6 foot 3), but his ball-playing ability and creative spark make for the true locus of his power, ranking among the top 12% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 9% for shot-creating actions, the top 15% for progressive passes and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

His distinctive skill set would slot into the purposeful progression system sculpted under Emery. Ranking 16th in the Premier League for long passes last year, moves are made with sharp direction and flow, shaped by the high defensive line that congests central midfield space and often overpowers opponents.

Todibo would flourish in that regard, especially given that he's such an impressive physical performer, remarkably averaging 7.1 ball recoveries per game in Ligue 1 last season.

To put that in perspective, Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven, widely regarded as one of the most robust defenders in the Premier League, averaged 5.3 per game. Arsenal's William Saliba? 5.6 per outing.

The Ligue 1 star, furthermore, kept 14 clean sheets from 30 league matches last term, with his 90% pass completion rate, 1.9 tackles per game and 59% duel success playing a big part in the success.

He's even been described as a "Rolls Royce" of a defender who "likes to begin phases of play" by journalist Antonio Mango, and with such an exciting playing style, he could be the perfect defensive partner for Maatsen.

Why Jean-Clair Todibo would be perfect for Maatsen

Maatsen enjoyed a tremendous loan spell with Borussia Dortmund during the second half of the 2023/24 campaign, starting 16 Bundesliga matches and completing 89% of his passes, also posting two goals and two assists.

The 22-year-old has been credited for his work rate out of possession, tirelessly working toward helping his team and progressing the play down the left flank. Consider Villa's naturally high line and how Maatsen could find success in this regard, pushing forward and supplemented by the threaded deliveries of Todibo.

The Lions often shift into a lopsided positional structure when in possession that sees the right-sided full-back tuck in, something that makes Ezri Konsa such an interesting option out wide, and the left-back pushed further forward, mimicking the duties of a winger.

Maatsen ranks among the top 9% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored per 90, so there's an obvious reason why he'd be such an effective outlet in this set-up, but his aforementioned athleticism would be the more suitable yardstick for analysis.

Whatever the point of discussion, there are plenty of reasons why Maatsen will make a positive impression at an Aston Villa side that has convinced him to sign given the offer of Champions League football.

This, too, could be crucial in tempting Todibo – who has been hailed as the "complete package" by Kulig too – to link up in the English Midlands. Emery will need to convince such players that his team are not to be a 'one-season wonder', a frustrating and blinkered term but one that would surface in different formats were Villa to suffer a regression next season.

Juggling PSR, effectively replacing Luiz and bolstering various shelves in the first-team squad is no small feat for Monchi and Co, but Aston Villa look set to succeed if their recent transfer activity is anything to go by.

It is an exciting time indeed to be a Villan.

Aston Villa win race to sign teenage gem with links to Haaland

He’s following a similar path to the Man City superstar.

ByCharlie Smith Jun 19, 2024

Luis de la Fuente insists it is "not normal" that he has not signed a new contract as Spain's manager after leading the country to Euro 2024 glory.

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Spain beat England in Euro 2024 finalDe la Fuente deal has not been extendedHits out at Spanish hierarchyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

De la Fuente has won both the Nations League and Euro 2024 while in the Spain dugout, but he has not received a new contract after the double triumph. He has now claimed that the situation is "not normal" and insists a manager of the calibre of Luis Enrique would not be treated in such a manner.

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De la Fuente has also bemoaned his contract terms, as his salary is reportedly lower than most of his predecessors in the Spanish hotseat. He was linked with a potential move to manage the United States men's national team but opted against the change. Mauricio Pochettino was appointed instead.

WHAT DE LA FUENTE SAID

De la Fuente told Cadena SER, via Football-Espana: “It is not normal for a European champion to be without a contract. I don’t know if the same thing would have happened with Luis Enrique… for me, it is not normal for a European champion to be out of contract. I have had offers as usual.

"What is not normal is that the reigning European champions, I don’t know if it has ever happened in history, are without a contract. I have the same conditions as when I was promoted from the U21s… It would have been fair if he had signed the contract already.”

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Spain play Denmark and Serbia in the Nations League during the international break as they defend their title. De la Fuente will want to back up his claim for improved terms with some positive results.

Once again the Victoria openers were unbeaten, but it’s hard to see how a result can achieved

Daniel Brettig10-Nov-2020Will Pucovski resumed his batting domination of the Sheffield Shield but did so without much hope of putting Victoria in a position to win after Western Australia dragged their first innings late into day three at Karen Rolton Oval through a superb century from the wicketkeeper Josh Inglis.In the company of Marcus Harris, Pucovski strode to an unbeaten 32 to follow his first innings of 202, as the Victorian openers took their side to 0 for 61 and four runs behind WA overall.Scored impressively while shepherding the tail from No. 8, this was the Leeds-born Inglis’ second first-class century in four games, after he had gone five years without making one while demonstrated tidy glovework for WA in that time.He had arrived at the crease at a moment when Victoria seemed capable of taking control of the contest, with WA 6 for 272 at the fall of Shaun Marsh’s wicket for 135 and still 142 runs in deficit while facing the prospect of batting last against the sharp turn being generated by Jon Holland.Josh Inglis made his second century of the season•Getty ImagesMarsh had received sturdy support from the nightwatchman Matt Kelly, who rather overstayed his welcome in the minds of the Victorians on his way to 31, but he had only added another 17 with D’Arcy Short when the WA captain was pinned lbw by Will Sutherland, skidding a ball through low from around the wicket.Sutherland would take the next wicket also, but not until Inglis and Short had added 92 as the wicketkeeper took the lead role with a tempo seldom far from a run a ball. The pace quickened further when Cameron Gannon joined Inglis, the ninth-wicket pair adding 85 in a mere 10 overs and vaulting WA into the lead.When Holland took a mark at deep fine leg to dismiss Gannon off Boland with the field extremely well spread, the game had gone from a very possible Victorian victory to a likely stalemate with one day remaining. Holland’s 4 for 115 contained plenty of handsome deliveries, while Sutherland and Boland also pushed through some effective spells for their captain Pete Handscomb. Simon Mackin was relatively economical, but Mitch Perry’s one wicket came at a cost of 4.5 runs an over.All that appears to be left is another chance for Pucovski to add to his Shield tally, which currently stands at 489 runs for once out.

Marc Skinner's United side lost their perfect record this season as England international Toone was outshone by former team-mate Parris

Manchester United's 100 per cent start in the Women's Super League came to an end as they were held to a 1-1 draw by a spirited Brighton.

The Red Devils, who hadn't conceded a WSL goal this season, deservedly took the lead in the 10th minute as Celin Bizet's teasing cross into the six-yard box was stabbed home by Grace Clinton. The 21-year-old then hit the bar with a curling effort from just inside the box, before Hinata Miyazawa was denied by goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley on the rebound.

But the visitors were made to pay for not pressing home their advantage as Maisie Symonds' powerful drive towards goal was nodded in by Nikita Parris – who joined the Seagulls from United last month – seven minutes after the break.

Brighton were the better team for long periods of the second half and nearly won it through former Chelsea star Fran Kirby but goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce showed there is life after Mary Earps. At the time of writing, both teams are top of the table by goal difference.

GOAL rates Manchester United's players from the Amex, where a record crowd of more than 8,000 were in attendance.

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Phallon Tullis-Joyce (8/10):

In contrast to a busy match last time out, the American had little to do in the first half, bar making a stunning fingertip save to keep out Haley's goal-bound effort. Made a vital stop to deny Kirby's fierce strike late on.

Celin Bizet (7/10):

For the second game running, bagged an excellent assist for a team-mate with a dangerous cross into the box. Showed good pace getting forward, too, but struggled at times with physical and athletic substitute Michelle Agyemang.

Maya Le Tissier (8/10):

Looked very composed against her old side and made some excellent sliding tackles to avert the danger. A class act at the back.

Millie Turner (6/10):

Didn't look as solid as her centre-back partner but made some decent clearances when required.

Gabby George (6/10):

Was given the tough task of trying to keep Fran Kirby under wraps but the Brighton player arguably just won this battle.

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Lisa Naalsund (7/10):

Got stuck into Brighton and showed some good, driving runs from the centre of the park. She was the one who looked most likely to kickstart United's midfield.

Ella Toone (6/10):

Once again, seemed to have a fairly quiet afternoon when her team needed the England international to stamp her authority on the game. Was hooked off near the end.

Dominique Janssen (6/10):

Like Toone, didn't have her best game as Brighton's midfield matched the Red Devils for much of the contest.

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Grace Clinton (7/10):

Showed bravery to beat keeper Baggaley to Bizet's dipping cross and was so unlucky not to grab a second when her effort cannoned off the bar. Her effectiveness significantly waned, though, as Brighton gained the upper hand as the match wore on.

Elisabeth Terland (6/10):

Was busy and hassled Brighton's defence but she didn't quite have her shooting boots on. Her touch let her down, too.

Hinata Miyazawa (7/10):

Came in for Leah Galton and was a threat right from the off. Nearly grabbed a brace inside the opening 15 minutes, only to be well kept out by Baggaley in the Brighton goal. Her movement caused problems but she couldn't get the goal she craved.

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AFPSubs & Manager

Aoife Mannion (7/10):

Added a bit more defensive solidity when she came on.

Simi Awujo (7/10):

Added more directness and physicality when she came on in the second half.

Rachel Williams (N/A):

The super sub was brought on in second-half stoppage time but didn't have enough time to make an impact.

Marc Skinner (6/10):

His team started like a house on fire and could, and perhaps should, have been several goals to the good. However, they started the second half slowly, were punished, and then didn't really recover from that. His substitutes were made a little too late as well.

The summer transfer window officially opened for business earlier this month and the focus will, understandably, be on who Celtic could sign to bolster their squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Brendan Rodgers secured two domestic trophies in his first year back at Parkhead, winning the Scottish Premiership title and the SFA Cup, but is still looking to improve his side.

The Hoops have been linked with moves for Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers, Brondby striker Mathias Kvistgaarden, and Dundee star Luke McCowan, among others.

However, Rodgers could also strengthen his squad by unleashing some of the talented young players who were out on loan last season, and there is one such prospect who could be the manager's own version of Yaya Toure.

Yaya Toure's style of play

The former Manchester City and Barcelona star was an incredibly powerful box-to-box midfielder who could provide quality in and out of possession.

His strength on and off the ball coupled with his terrific surging runs and fantastic end product in the final third made him a menace to Premier League teams for many years.

Toure racked up 80 goals and 37 assists in 316 appearances throughout his time in England with the Cityzens, which is an average of one goal contribution every 2.7 games.

The 6 foot 2 titan also won 2.3 tackles and interceptions per game throughout his career at club and international level – showing that he was also willing to get stuck in to win possession back for his side.

Who Celtic could make their own Yaya Toure

21-year-old midfielder Bosun Lawal could be unearthed as Rodgers' own version of the retired Ivorian star by unleashing him in the first-team next season.

Like Toure, the Ireland international stands at an imposing 6 foot 2 in the middle of the park and Omer Riza, one of his former coaches at Watford, described him as a "powerful" talent who has the qualities to be "like" the former Premier League sensation.

His form at the base of Fleetwood's midfield in League One last season backs that claim up as the towering colossus showcased his quality in and out of possession.

Starts

40

Goals

6

Goals from outside the box

3

Assists

2

Big chances created

6

As you can see in the table above, Lawal provided an attacking threat from the middle of the park with six goals and six 'big chances' created in 40 matches, with half of his strikes coming from outside of the box.

In the clips above, you can see that Toure was also partial to a goal from distance and the Irish ace could offer a similarly exciting presence on the edge of the box.

Lawal also made 2.5 tackles and interceptions per game, 0.2 more per game than the retired legend averaged in his career, and provided a dominant force in midfield.

He won 54% of his duels on the deck and a staggering 74% of his aerial battles, which shows that opposition players rarely got the better of him in physical contests.

Celtic could forget Idah in swoop for SPFL star who's "unplayable at times"

The Hoops are reportedly interested in a deal for the centre-forward this summer.

ByDan Emery Jun 26, 2024

If the 21-year-old colossus can carry his exceptional form in League One over to the Scottish Premiership next season then he could become Rodgers' own version of Yaya Toure in midfield with his qualities on and off the ball, as well as his physically imposing presence.

This summer, plenty of movement will occur at Manchester United now that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS can get to work.

Incomings and outgoings are guaranteed to occur, but there’s a handful of players who won’t be going anywhere, including Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez.

The duo are integral parts of Erik ten Hag’s team, and they are two players that the Dutch coach will be desperate to build around next season.

However, with the fantastic duo in mind, let’s take a look at a Man Utd player who earns far more than them, despite not having a future at Old Trafford.

Jadon Sancho’s time is up at Man United

According to a report from The Mirror, Jadon Sancho could very well be on the move this summer, especially after Ten Hag remains at the club.

It’s said that United are ‘attempting to move him on’ before next season, but their £50m asking price is too steep for most clubs.

This means that the Red Devils may have to give in to a loan move, which is why Barcelona are interested in signing the English winger.

As per Spanish outlet Sport, via The Mirror, Sancho’s high wage demands could prove to be an issue even in the event of a loan deal.

What Man Utd pay Jadon Sancho

It’s fair to say that the signing of Sancho for £73m back in 2021 has been nothing short of a disaster, pretty much from day one.

However, it was last season when things took a turn for the worse, with the winger being banished from first-team training because of a social media post following his absence from the matchday squad against Arsenal.

Sancho’s refusal to apologise meant that he was sent on loan to Borussia Dortmund in January, where he helped his former aide reach the Champions League final.

Throughout his time back at Signal Iduna Park, the “disappointing” flop, as dubbed by football creator Liam Canning, played 21 times, scoring three goals and providing three assists in the process.

1. Marcus Rashford

£300k

2. Antony

£200k

3. Jadon Sancho

£195k

4. Rasmus Hojlund

£85k

5. Alejandro Garnacho

£50k

Nonetheless, despite making just 21 Premier League starts in the last two campaigns, Sancho is still one of the highest earners at Man United according to Capology.

As you can see, the 24-year-old is currently receiving an income of £195k-per-week, which equates to £10.1m per year without adding his bonuses of around £5.2m per year.

Sancho is still contracted to the Red Devils until 2026, which puts them in a rather difficult position due to his salary being so high.

For context, his wage is £75k more per week than Martinez and almost ten times more than Mainoo’s £20k per week, and unlike Sancho, they will be at the club next season.

In the current United squad right now, only Antony and Marcus Rashford are on a higher wage than the number 25, which means the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho both earn significantly less.

Overall, the signing of Sancho has been a true howler from Man Utd, and the only way Ratcliffe can fix the situation is to let the attacker leave this summer.

What Man Utd's dream XI could look like after £230m spending spree

Marcus Rashford doesn’t make the best eleven.

1 ByTom Lever Jun 7, 2024

Pucovski “not just in good form, he’s in great form,” says selector Trevor Hohns

Andrew McGlashan12-Nov-2020David Warner will be sounded out about his opening partner for the Test series against India, but national selector Trevor Hohns has no doubt that Will Pucovski would be ready for the role despite just two matches in that position in first-class cricket.Those two games have, of course, brought the small matter of two double-centuries – 255 not out and 202 – in recent weeks which have propelled Pucovski to the brink of a Test debut.The big decision for the selectors is whether he now replaces the incumbent Joe Burns, who was part of the side all last summer and has a good partnership record alongside Warner: the pair averages 50.55 from 27 innings opening the batting.ALSO READ: Will Pucovski, Cameron Green and Sean Abbott named in Australia’s Test squad”Of course we talk to David, he’s a very senior player, he’s very experienced and it’s important he’s comfortable as well, provided we are, of course, with the person he opens with,” Hohns said. “It goes a long way in forming an opening partnership. You have to be comfortable with your partner and we certainly do consult players on such issues.”While insisting that the decision between Burns and Pucovski still had to be made – with the Australia A matches shaping as the deciders – Hohns was confident that from both a technical point and regarding his mental wellbeing Pucovski was ready for Test cricket.David Warner congratulates Joe Burns on his fifty•Getty Images”Will’s in fantastic form. He’s not just in good form, he’s in great form. I think that’s undeniable,” he said. As far as Will goes, and that goes with all our players, we check their health and wellbeing. Not just Will but all of our players. Will’s good to go.”He has the game to handle that [opening] as we’ve seen already. Okay it’s only a couple of games but prior to that he’s been batting at No. 3, he certainly has the technique to handle the opening position if required.”One of the other questions facing the selectors is how to manage the all-format players through the six limited-overs matches which start the tour at the end of November. It is expected that those returning from the IPL – especially Warner, Steven Smith and Pat Cummins – may be rested at some point, but Hohns conceded there was a balancing act to appease broadcasters.”We’re currently working through that right now and waiting for the IPL players in particular to return home,” he said. “We are working on that at the moment in the background and, of course, we have to take into account the broadcasters and make sure if we are going to give a player a break or players a break, they’re not all missing from the one game.”While the majority of Australia’s Test squad have been part of the Sheffield Shield hub in Adelaide this week, those returning from the IPL will not have any long-form cricket before the Test series and instead will prepare with nets in Adelaide while the second Australia A game is going on in Sydney.

Manchester United first-team coach Darren Fletcher could face punishment from the FA for raging against referees in Brentford clash.

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Fletcher could face punishment from FAAggressively protested against Brentford's first goalMan Utd beat the Bees 2-1Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Matthijs de Ligt clashed with Brentford forward Kevin Schade early into the game which left him with a deep, bleeding wound on his head and was forced off the pitch to receive treatment. While the United medical staff tried to stop his bleeding on the sideline and the team was reduced to 10 men, Ethan Pinnock netted the opening goal for the Bees to break the deadlock.

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The coaching staff were understandably frustrated with the referee's decision to allow the game to go on despite the hosts being a man down. The Mirror now reports that Red Devils first-team coach Fletcher was seen arguing with the officials aggressively as they headed into the tunnel at half-time.

DID YOU KNOW?

The report also adds that the FA could punish Fletcher if referee Samuel Barrott included the incident in his report. Right after the goal, manager Erik ten Hag and his assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy were also seen approaching the fourth official in anger to protest the decision.

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Ten Hag's side, who eventually staged a comeback and clinched the game 2-1, will be next seen in action on Thursday as they face Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce in the Europa League.

Smith, Labuschagne and Pucovski scored a bunch of runs between them, but still Australia ended short of where they would have wanted to be

Andrew McGlashan08-Jan-2021It looked like the performance that could move the talk on from the batting ills Australia suffered in the first two Tests. However, despite three substantial innings in the top four, including a masterly century from Steven Smith, it did not quite work out that way in the third Test against India at the SCG.When Smith – having responded to three single-figure dismissals with his 27th Test hundred, which he celebrated with much gusto – was brilliantly run-out by Ravindra Jadeja, it meant Australia had lost eight wickets for 132 runs; 206 for 2 to a rather underwhelming 338 all out. There is a lot to unfold yet in this game – India did well to reach the close two down on a surface that could play tricks – but they missed a chance to be far more impregnable.”I think it’s a decent total,” Smith said after the second day’s play. “It would have been nice to score a few more – you always want more. It’s a bit up and down, the wicket, we’ve seen a couple of balls have kicked up off a length, a couple shot low.”Related

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Plans still on for Gabba Test despite Brisbane's weekend lockdown

It was a ten-over period before the second new ball where India were allowed to get their foot in the door. Marnus Labuschagne cut a ball from Jadeja to slip where Ajinkya Rahane took a superb catch to fall in the 90s for the first time in Tests, his dismissal ending the second consecutive 100-run stand of the innings. More culpable was Matthew Wade, when he could not resist trying to take on Jadeja, only lofting the left-arm spinner to mid-on.Wade had made the cut for this Test at the expense of Travis Head, moving down the order to No. 5, having accepted the challenge of opening in the first two Tests as Australia patched up their top order. Before this match, Wade had averaged 35.00 since returning to Test cricket; Head had averaged 30.62 in the same period.This was the second time in three innings that he fell to a misjudged attempt to attack the spinner. In the first innings at the MCG, he had hit R Ashwin to midwicket after having eased his way to 30. Here, his innings was still in its infancy but his intent had been obvious, peppering Hanuma Vihari at short leg as he swept powerfully at Jadeja and producing a brace of strongly driven boundaries to move into double figures. Then he advanced and tried to go over the leg side, but was nowhere near the pitch. It was a shot selection that brought a strong rebuke from Ricky Ponting.Steven Smith’s 131 somewhat made up for Australia’s collapse of 8 for 132•Getty Images”Matthew Wade needs to have a lot more game awareness,” Ponting said on Channel Seven. “In a situation like that, Matthew Wade has been opening in the last couple of Test matches so the new ball is not going to faze him. But what he’s done by getting out is expose Cameron Green to the new ball, a guy in his third Test, and for me that is just not thinking enough about the situation of the game.”And the new-ball threat certainly came to pass. Green was kept scoreless and then worked over by Jasprit Bumrah, before being pinned lbw with the fifth ball of a classy over. After lunch, Tim Paine was cleaned up by a delivery that zipped back between bat and pad. Hopes of a total over 400 had become trying to reach 300.At this stage, it was basically Smith doing all the scoring. From the moment Wade fell until Pat Cummins was yorked by Jadeja, he made 39 of the 46 runs that came – four of the rest were byes that flew over Cummins from a Bumrah bouncer. On only three previous occasions had Australia’s Nos. 6-8 been dismissed for a combined tally of one or fewer in an innings.Jasprit Bumrah traps Cameron Green lbw•Getty ImagesMitchell Starc then briefly stole the strike before Smith clipped a delivery through the leg side off Navdeep Saini. On completing the third run, at the end of which he nearly slipped in excitement, there was a celebration which also looked like a release of some frustrations. Coupled with the low scores in the first two matches, it was his first Test hundred in Australia since he got one against England in December 2017, although this was only his eighth match since then because of his one-year ban.”I read a lot things… and plenty of people said I was out of form, so it was nice to come back into form, if that’s what you want to call it,” he said. “It was only about three or four weeks I think [since] I scored two hundreds at the SCG [during the ODIs against India]. It kind of just makes me laugh sometimes when people say that kind of thing, I missed out in the first two Test matches.”Such have been Smith’s run-scoring feats that a few low scores will prompt attention almost out of surprise that they have occurred, particularly when two of them came in a defeat; but, in reality, he was always lower down the list of concerns. The fact Australia would have been significantly short without him highlights that.

Liverpool legend and pundit Jamie Carragher pointed out the real challenge that Ruben Amorim will face when he takes over at Manchester United.

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Carragher warned Amorim ahead of United testPortuguese coach set to replace Ten HagTakes charge of Red Devils on November 11Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

United's search for a permanent head coach finally ended on Friday as they announced the arrival of Amorim from Sporting CP at Old Trafford. Amorim will replace Dutch coach Erik ten Hag at the helm who spent just over two years at the Manchester club before he was sacked earlier this week.

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The Portuguese coach is all set to arrive in the Premier League and take charge of a struggling United side, with the club sitting 14th in the Premier League and without a win after three Europa League matches. Red Devils fans will hope Amorim can provide an immediate boost to help rescue their season after a dismal start, but Carragher says the true test will come further down the line as he highlighted the demise of his predecessors Ten Hag, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solksjaer.

WHAT JAMIE CARRAGHER SAID

In a column for , Carragher wrote: "Amorim will undoubtedly generate a short-term, feel-good factor, too. New United managers are welcomed like a breath of fresh air and there is not a lot of work needed to make the team massively improve very quickly… Amorim’s real challenge will be in 18 months’ time – just as it was for those who left Old Trafford believing they needed more time and patience to get it right.

"That is when clearer assessments will be made as to whether he is creating a side that has the consistency to actually win the title and Champions League. That is the currency United managers must deal in – the standard against which Manchester United will and must always be judged.

"Faith in Mourinho, Solskjaer and Ten Hag evaporated because after a couple of seasons each, fans and media were scrutinising the team and making what has become the cliched observation that they were still five years away from reaching Manchester City’s level.

"It will take a while before we can know if Amorim can succeed where his recent predecessors were found wanting. He is clearly a highly rated coach who has been on the radar of top clubs for a while."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue to manage the club on an interim basis until the young head coach arrives on November 11. United will be next seen in action on Sunday as they host Chelsea in an important Premier League fixture.